VESTIBULAR REHAB - (906) 776-5548

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"As a physical therapist, I strive to examine the entire person, including work or play activities, disease processes, and other contributing factors when evaluating pain or injury. I love working with children of all ages, educating parents and caregivers in appropriate activities to promote development and mobility. Vestibular rehabilitation, the treatment of dizziness, is very successful and alleviates severe limitations in daily functioning. Orthopedic rehabilitation is an important part of recovery from pain, after injury or surgery. There are often challenges along the way, requiring ongoing assessment of movement to promote the most effective movement patterns to decrease pain and likelihood of re-injury."

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Vestibular Rehabilitation therapy is an exercise based program designed to help the brain compensate for inner ear deficits. Even individuals with long-term unresolved inner ear disorders may benefit.

The rehabilitation process begins with a thorough evaluation encompassing dizziness, motion sensitivity, confidence, and fall risk assessment. This will help the physical therapist develop a comprehen-sive plan of care specific to each patient.​Treatment consists of specific head, body, and eye exercises designed to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system and coordinate them with information from the other sensory systems.

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​POSITIONAL VERTIGO

​Dizziness affects about 50% of individuals over age 65 and those affected by dizziness have a significantly increased risk for falling. Thirty-five percent of adults in the U.S. have vestibular dysfunction requiring medical attention. These incidences increase with age.Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is caused when small otoconia or “ear rocks” within the inner ear become displaced. The ear rocks move into the semicircular canals which utilize fluids as a mechanism to detect movement of the head. ​The presence of the rocks in the semicircular canals causes the fluid to move at a different speed, providing the brain with inaccurate information. BPPV often occurs with movement of the head, including lying down, sitting up, rolling over, looking up, bending forward and turning quickly.

VESTIBULAR HYPOFUNCTION

The purpose of the vestibular system is to provide information to the brain about head position and movement. This information is integrated with sensory systems to maintain balance.

Vestibular hypofunction has several causes, including infection, trauma, and congenital origins. Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis both cause damage to the vestibular system causing decreased or abnormal signals to the brain. Such abnormal signals cause a person to experience symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and imbalance.​When injury or disease processes cause damage to the vestibular system, the brain must compensate to the change in order to maintain balance and eliminate dizziness.​Many times the brain is able to detect this abnormality and compensate for the normal activity. This may occur through continued participation in daily activities or may require a formal vestibular rehab program.

​INSURANCE

Most insurance plans cover physical therapy services. Please call your insurance provider to determine whether physical therapy evaluation and treatment is covered by your specific plan.​We do offer and encourage utilization of our facility through a medical fitness program upon discharge from physical therapy. This allows our patients to exercise in a comfortable environment with the opportunity to access medical professionals as needed to guide their maintenance program.

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COLLEEN SLEIK, PT, DPT, OC

"As a physical therapist, I strive to examine the entire person, including work or play activities, disease processes, and other contributing factors when evaluating pain or injury. I love working with children of all ages, educating parents and caregivers in appropriate activities to promote development and mobility. Vestibular rehabilitation, the treatment of dizziness, is very successful and alleviates severe limitations in daily functioning. Orthopedic rehabilitation is an important part of recovery from pain, after injury or surgery. There are often challenges along the way, requiring ongoing assessment of movement to promote the most effective movement patterns to decrease pain and likelihood of re-injury."

Professional Education

Undergraduate:Bachelor of Science, Exercise and Sport Science​ College of St. Catherine​

Graduate: Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of St. Augustine in Florida, Master of Physical Therapy – College of St. Catherine in Minneapolis, MN​